Trump, Ryan Promise to Try to 'Unify' GOP

They're out of first meeting, sounding more positive—but still no endorsement
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 12, 2016 11:33 AM CDT
Trump, Ryan Promise to Try to 'Unify' GOP
House Speaker Paul Ryan.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan pledged to work together Thursday after a high-profile meeting behind closed doors, reports the AP. The pair issued a statement describing their meeting as a "very positive step toward unification" that recognized "many important areas of common ground" as well as areas where they disagree. Ryan stunned Republicans by withholding his endorsement a week ago when it became clear Trump was on a firm path to the nomination. On Thursday, the speaker appeared closer to offering a full-throated endorsement. RNC Chair Reince Priebus, who sat in on the meeting, says it was "a very positive step toward party unity."

The statement by the two suggested both are invested in tamping down the Republican infighting as they try to pull the GOP together for the fight against Hillary Clinton and Democrats in the fall. "We will be having additional discussions, but remain confident there's a great opportunity to unify our party and win this fall, and we are totally committed to working together to achieve that goal," it says. Ryan told a news conference afterward that they are "planting the seeds" to accomplish that. Trump was also expected to meet with top Republicans, including House and Senate majority leaders Kevin McCarthy and Mitch McConnell, later Thursday. (More Donald Trump stories.)

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